Dog crates are important to keep dogs of all ages safe when you cannot supervise them carefully. For example, puppies can get into all kinds of mischief if you just turn your back for five minutes. In addition, the crate dog bed is the best way to housebreak young pups because they instinctively try to keep their space clean.
We evaluated more than 30 dog crate beds and found that the “K9 Ballistics Tough Dog Crate Bed” has various important features like the durable ripstop material, 120-day warranty, and six different sizes. This makes it the best overall choice out of the 11 top picks below.
But I understand you might have different needs, whether you have a puppy, a senior, or a furbaby that likes to chew her beds. That is why I prepared a shortlist of the top dog crate beds that address different needs & styles.
We made our choice for best dog crate bed below and listed our 11 top picks so you can find the furfect one for your fur baby. For example, Waterproof crate beds for pups that tend to have accidents or cooling crate bed for hot weather to prevent overheating.
But first, we are going to talk about what to look for and how to determine which crate bed is the best for your pooch according to his life stage. In addition, you can use the short guide we’ve put together to choose the best dog crate bed for your doggie’s & your specific needs, and we’ll answer common questions from dog parents.
Choosing The Right Dog Crate Bed According To Your Dog’s Life-Stage
Your fur baby may spend a lot of time in his crate, and it is essential that he has something comfortable and familiar to lay on. Giving him his favorite blankie is nice but most dogs need something a little bit more substantial to keep them from being uncomfortable.
The bed you choose depends mostly on your pooch. For example, some dogs love to be curled up in cushiony soft bolsters, while others would rather have the bare minimum to be able to sleep. Your dog’s fursonality and habits also need to be considered.
For example, puppies will chew on whatever is in their reach so they need a bed that is as chew-proof as possible. It should also be waterproof because most puppies are not completely potty trained either. Being easy to clean is another plus.
Adult dogs are not as problematic when it comes to chewing and accidents, but it is still a good idea to get one that is machine washable. That way it can get a deep cleaning when needed to get rid of dirt, germs, and odors. And, let’s face it, some adult dogs still like to chew on things.
Senior pups have other special needs. For instance, those age-related issues such as osteoarthritis and dysplasia can be relieved with special orthopedic support like memory foam. And that waterproof protection with easy cleaning becomes important again as dogs start to have little accidents.
The best features we think are important overall include comfort, chew resistance, and being waterproof and easy to clean. The orthopedic support is also good for any dog so it would be a practical option to look for. Next, we will talk in detail about these features as well as others that we feel are good to have.
10 Rules Of Thumb When Buying a Dog Crate Bed
When you start shopping for your pup’s new dog crate bed, there are 10 rules of thumb that you want to consider. One of the most important is durability since you want whatever you get to stand up to your pooch’s antics. Your dog’s bed also has to be the right size so he can be comfortable and get good sleep to be happy and healthy.
The material the bed is made of should be safe, comfortable, and strong too. As mentioned above, you will also be looking for a bed that is machine washable and hopefully waterproof too. If your fur buddy has special issues of his own, such as arthritis or incontinence, you will need to think about this too. And if you can get one that is made in the USA with a good long warranty, that is a big bonus.
- Resilience: For dogs that scratch, dig, and are just “ruff” in general, having a resilient bed is essential. Tear-resistant material and double or triple stitching are two features to look for. And if there are reviews, read them to see what other pet parents had to say.
- Measurements: The dog crate bed has to fit your pup’s crate size too. Measure the crate lengthwise, width, and depth as well as its height. You should also measure your dog against the size of the available bed space so he will not be uncomfortably overcrowded.
- Temperature Regulation: Some materials are self-warming or self-cooling, which is great for those senior dogs and puppies that cannot regulate their body temperature as well as others. But also consider the temperature you keep in your home. If you like a cool home, you may need a more insulated bed for your pup. If you like it nice and warm, a cooling bed without all the fur and plushiness would be great.
- Washability: Some dog parents like their fur baby’s crate bed to be easy to clean without much work, like something you can just hose off and let air dry. But others would rather have a machine washable bed and dryer safe so they can get a deep cleaning.
- Watertight or Weather Resistant Fabric: A waterproof barrier is an impawtant feature for many reasons. For example, if your pooch tends to tinkle when he gets anxious or if he has trouble holding it when he has to go. But it is also great to keep the inner foam or material from getting moist or damp from the elements or from your dog’s body.
- Depth or Density: No matter how heavy your pup is, they need to be comfy in their crate because they spend quite a lot of time there. Also, heavy dogs and seniors need extra support such as memory foam to take the pressure off their joints.
- Dogs that Chomp and Chew: There is no completely indestructible material, but some are better than others. For example, thick canvas beds like the one made by K9 are guaranteed to be able to withstand serious chewing. And those that are elevated are almost impossible for your pooch to get in his mouth so he cannot chew it up.
- Health and Habits: Each fur baby has its own issues of course and some need specific features in their crate bed. Some medical issues require a 100% waterproof and machine washable bed, while others need supportive and thick beds. In addition, dogs that are anxious can sometimes benefit from a donut-style bed or one with bolsters.
- Guarantee: No matter what features you are looking for, one of the best indicators of a high-quality bed is a longer than average warranty. Almost all beds have a minimal 30-day warranty, but some have longer ones, meaning they believe in their quality.
- American Made: The United States has strict guidelines when it comes to dog beds and specific ones that cover dog crate beds. For instance, the material has to be fire-resistant as well as non-toxic. In addition, the regulations typically include chemicals used in treating the bed for waterproofness or fire resistance as well as those that can come from manufacturing foam.
Our 2024 Review For 11 Dog Crate Beds
After we reviewed more than 30 dog crate beds using our specific criteria mentioned above, we chose 11 that are pawfect for a wide array of fur babies. Since it is essential for your pooch to get restful sleep and have maximum comfort, as well as being safe and supported, we looked for certain requirements for each of the beds we looked at. Hopefully, we can help you find the best one for you.
K9 Ballistics Tough Dog Crate Pad
- Bed Size: 23L x 17W x 1.5H inches to 52L x 36W x 1.5H inches
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 120 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best: Overall Top Pick
If your pooch loves to dig and scratch while in the crate, this K9 Ballistics bed will work very well for him. The ripstop ballistic cover is resistant to almost anything except for aggressive chewers. In addition to all of that, the 120-day warranty offers you a new bed if your “ruff” pup is somehow able to damage this bed.
The polyfil is certified clean and recycled to help the earth and to keep your pooch comfy so he can get good sleep. In addition, this bed is machine washable, and it comes in six sizes for dogs over four feet long. Perfect for almost any size fur buddy.
What We Like:
- This is perfect for dogs that are ruff on their bed
- Being waterproof is perfect for dogs that have accidents
- You can wash and dry it in the machine for deep cleaning
What Dogs Love about it?
- The soft polyfil is great for sleeping
What We Don’t like:
- No memory foam
MidWest Deluxe Micro Terry Bed
- Bed Size: 18L x 11W x 1.2H inches to 54L x 34W x 1.2H inches
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for one year
- Made In The USA: No
- Best: Affordable
This is the most economical dog crate bed we found, and it also comes in eight sizes, from tiny to jumbo. Even your giant pup can snooze on one of these at 54 inches long. That is four and a half feet, so even your Great Dane will fit. The cover is soft microfleece, and it is over an inch thick, so he will be comfy as well.
If you have a pooch that tends to have accidents when he gets nervous or anxious, this bed will be fine because it is machine washable and dryer safe. That will get rid of any dirt, germs, and odors. Besides all that, it has a 1-year warranty, so you know they believe in their product.
What We Like:
- You get a lot of excellent features for a low price
- Having eight sizes means any dog fits
What Dogs Love about it?
- The microfleece cover is super soft
What We Don’t like:
- Not waterproof
Paws & Pals Pet Bed – Deluxe Premium Bedding with Cozy Inner Cushion
- Bed Size: 21L x 15W x 4.5H inches to 29L x 20W x 5.5H inches
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Small and medium dogs
This Paws & Pals dog crate bed is so thick and soft. Your pooch will never want to come out of his kennel. The thick mattress is perfect for relieving the tension from your fur baby’s pressure points and gives plenty of support. This is great for dogs with orthopedic issues too. Don’t worry about accidents either because the whole thing can go in the washer for deep cleaning.
Another fantastic feature is the bolsters. They keep your pup tucked in and snuggly, so he does not lean up against the kennel walls. It also makes him feel safe and secure. The old-fashioned newspaper pattern is adorable, too so you can use it outside the kennel too. It comes in three sizes to fit most breeds.
What We Like:
- Small dogs will fit nicely on this bed
- It comes in three sizes so even your medium pup can fit
What Dogs Love about it?
- The bolsters keep your tiny terrier snuggly
What We Don’t like:
- It is not waterproof
MidWest Homes for Pets Reversible Paw Print
- Bed Size: 17L x 11W x 1.5H inches to 52L x 34W x 2.5H inches
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Not for chewers
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best For: Large & Extra large dogs
Whether you have a tiny terrier or a giant hound, this bed comes in a size that will fit his kennel. The small one is for toy poodle and Yorkshire Terrier-sized dogs, and it goes all the way up to jumbo for Great Dane, and Mastiff-sized pooches. The bed is made of a soft polyfil inside and plush synthetic outside, which is reversible so you can flip it when one side gets worn out.
You do not have to worry about it being waterproof or getting dirty because the whole thing can be machine washed and dried for deep cleaning. That will get rid of any odors or accidents. However, if your dog is a chewer, this bed is not for him. He will be able to chew through it easily and you will have polyfil all over the place.
What We Like:
- This can accommodate extra large dogs
- Being reversible is great for any size pup
- Machine washability is furfect for shedding and accidents
What Dogs Love about it?
- The softness is great for big breeds
What We Don’t like:
- It does not have memory foam for orthopedic support
K&H Pet Products Ultra Plush Deluxe Bolster Crate Pad
- Bed Size: 31L x 21W x 4H inches to 37L x 25W x 4H inches
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 2 years
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Puppies
K&H Pet Products makes this unique patent-pending dog crate bed that is designed to fit all kinds of crates. The corners are slit and darted to slide up the sides of the crate to fill in the corners entirely for a more comfortable fit. And the extra-thick bolsters are furfect for your fur buddy to lay his head-on. The ultra-plush fleece mattress will make your pooch feel like he is sleeping on air to get the rest he needs to keep him healthy and happy.
In addition, the non-slip bottom keeps it from moving around when he moves. Finally, it is machine washable so you can give it a deep clean when needed. It comes in four sizes too. The x-small is 22L x 14W x 4H inches, small is 25L x 20W x 4H inches, medium is 31L x 21W x 4H inches, and large is 37L x 25W x 4H inches.
What We Like:
- Unique corner design protects the puppy from the hard edges of the crate
- Puppies tend to have accidents, so being machine washable is important
- The non-slip bottom keeps your pup from getting all tangled up
What Dogs Love about it?
- Your puppy will love the thick fluffy bolsters
What We Don’t like:
- It is not waterproof
Big Barker Orthopedic 4″ Dog Crate Pad
- Bed Size: 27L x 19W x 4H inches to 45L x 27W x 4H inches
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: Seniors
Big Barker made this crate bed the furfect size to fit inside the raised edge of a plastic tray at the bottom of the typical crate. Also, the foam is American-made of the highest quality materials you will find in any crate bed. It will hold its shape instead of flattening like a pancake.
In fact, it has 2 inches of H45 support foam with 2 inches of H10 comfort foam on top so the orthopedic joint relief is great for all dogs. In addition, the bed is 100% waterproof as well as tear-resistant in case your fur baby gets a bit anxious and starts digging. And you do not have to worry about accidents because it is machine washable for easy cleaning.
What We Like:
- When dogs get older, they can have accidents, so being waterproof is an impawtant feature
- Keeping his bed clean and practicing good hygiene can be a great preventative measure from developing further health issues.
- Seniors need the extra orthopedic foam for extra support for their joints and muscles as well as healthy sleep.
What Dogs Love about it?
- Some seniors like to dig and scratch so the durability is great
What We Don’t like:
- It cannot accommodate giant breeds
K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangle Nesting Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 40L x 34W x 5H inches
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 120 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best: Orthopedic
Another K9 Ballistics dog bed is also virtually indestructible for anything except for the most aggressive chewers. This is also the thickest bed we found, with a full five inches of CertiPUR-US foam that is made in the USA. It is certified non-toxic and safe for any dog.
The cover is removable and machine washable, and there is a waterproof membrane underneath to keep the foam from getting wet in case of a bit of accident. Let your pooch dig and scratch until he wears himself out because the bed has a 120-day warranty as well.
What We Like:
- The orthopedic foam is important for dog’s joints
- It is durable enough for rowdy pups
- The waterproof feature is great for anxious dogs
What Dogs Love about it?
- The 5-inch thick mattress is incredibly comfy.
What We Don’t like:
- Only available in one size
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Pet Crate Pad
- Bed Size: 25L x 20W x 0.5H inches to 54L x 37W x 0.5H inches
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 2 years
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Cold weather
Puppies and senior pooches have trouble regulating their body temperature, so it is good to have a crate bed that has self-warming technology like this one made by K&H Pet Products. Even if your pup is not a baby or a senior, a self-warming bed is a great way to keep him warm and cozy in his kennel.
This bed is also machine washable and comes in five different sizes from 25 inches long to 54 inches long, so even a giant breed can fit. However, it is only ½ inch thick, so it will not give your pooch much support, especially for heavier dogs. The microfleece top is nice and soft, though, and it has a non-slip base.
What We Like:
- The self-warming feature is great for cold weather
- This is also important for older dogs and puppies that cannot regulate their body temp
- Even huge dogs get cold sometimes
What Dogs Love about it?
- Staying warm is important to getting good sleep
What We Don’t like:
- It is not very thick
K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 29L x 18W x 3.5H inches
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: Yes
- Durability: Almost indestructible
- Warranty: Yes, for 90 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best: Chew proof & elevated
Does your fur baby like to chew… on everything? Then this bed may be furfect for him. This K9 Ballistics bed is made to be strong and withstand scratching, digging, and chewing with its thick canvas material and metal frame. Being elevated and secured inside the frame, he will not even be able to get ahold of the fabric.
Another benefit of having an elevated bed is that he will be up off the ground to get a more comfortable rest with orthopedic support. It also allows plenty of air circulation to keep him cool and resists odors. No need to put it in the washer either. You can just spray it with a hose or wipe it with a cloth.
What We Like:
- Chew-proof canvas fabric is perfect for dogs that love to chew
- He will not be able to get ahold of the fabric to chew on because it is so tight
- If he manages to tear it up in 90 days, you get a new one for free
What Dogs Love about it?
- The air circulation is great for any dog
What We Don’t like:
- Only available in one size
Hero Dog Medium Dog Bed Mat 36 Inch Crate Pad
- Bed Size: 21L x 14W x 0.5H inches to 47L x 33W x 0.5H inches
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best: Anti-slip bed
Finding a good bed for your fur buddy’s kennel can be difficult, especially for large dogs. But Hero Dog has sizes up to four feet long, so almost any breed can be comfy in their kennel. It is also machine washable, so you do not have to worry about your pooch having any messy accidents.
The non-slip bottom will keep the bed from bunching up or moving around in the crate or on the floor, no matter where you use it. It is made of flannel so it will keep him warm and toasty as he chills out in his space. However, it is only ½ inches thick so it is not great support for pups with orthopedic issues.
What We Like:
- Having a non-slip base keeps it from sliding around
- This bed will not bunch up when your dog moves around
- It is machine washable, so accidents are not a problem
What Dogs Love about it?
- He can move around without the pad moving.
What We Don’t like:
- Not very thick
Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam
- Bed Size: 22L x 16W x 4H inches to 46L x 28W x 4H inches
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 3 years
- Made In The USA: No
- Best: Waterproof
Your pooch will be extra supported with this bed made by Brindle. It has 2 inches of memory foam on top of 2 inches of support foam to give him four inches of super comfiness. And these mattresses are made like real mattresses rather than those flimsy or thin beds that look more like pads.
It comes in 3 sizes and will fit fur buddy’s up to almost 4 feet long, so even large breeds can enjoy one of these thick and soft beds. The cover comes off so you can put it in the washing machine and dryer to get rid of all the hair and dirt as well as the germs. And there is a 100% waterproof cover to protect the inner foam too.
What We Like:
- 100% waterproof
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- Very well made with a 3-year warranty
What Dogs Love about it?
- Excellent 4-inch foam mattress
What We Don’t like:
- Not for giant breeds
Common Question from Dog Parents
What to put in the dog’s cart besides bedding?
Your fur baby’s crate should be a warm and inviting place where he feels safe and secure. But without having something to entertain himself, your pooch may be inclined to bark, whine, or chew on his bed. Here are a few things you can put in there with him to help prevent these issues.
Durable chew toys like the Kong Extreme are a furfect choice. You can fill up the inside with peanut butter or squeeze cheese to keep him busy all day long. Although we don’t recommend leaving your pup in there for a long time unattended.
Soft toys or blankets are okay for dogs that do not chew or if you plan to be sitting there with him. However, most soft toys are not durable enough to stand up to any kind of chewing so you cannot do this if he is an aggressive chewer.
What kind of bed should I put in a dog crate?
The bed you choose for your dog depends on your dog. If you have a puppy, you will want a waterproof bed that is also machine washable and durable enough to stand up to his excess energy so get one with ripstop or canvas material. Older pooches need more orthopedic support. A bed with memory foam or an elevated bed would be great for them.
Again, an older dog or puppy would also do well with a self-warming bed because they have difficulty regulating their body heat. An extra-large or giant breed needs a thick cushion to support his extra weight but gives him enough room to move around.
Is a crate or bed better for a puppy?
All dogs do well with a crate because they instinctively feel safer in a cave-like dwelling. Whether your pooch is a puppy or a senior, it is always good for him to have a safe spot of his very own to retreat to when he feels anxious or tired.
In addition, having a crate that you can keep him safe in while he is unattended is pawfect for any age as well. Puppies do not do well with many soft beds, so having a nice crate bed in his crate will keep him safe as well as comfy.
Should I cover my dog crate with a blanket at night?
Some dogs like having a nice dark place to sleep while others get anxious not being able to see out, so it depends on your dog whether you should cover his crate or not. For example, if your pup loves to be under the covers or underneath things when he wants solitude, a cover may be great for him.
Having a crate cover also works well for anxious dogs that tend to get distracted or annoyed with any kind of movement outside their crate. If you have a puppy who is learning when to sleep and when to be awake, you could train him to know that having his crate covered means it is time for bed.
The Final Woof
The K9 Ballistics Tough Dog Crate Bed may not be right for all fur babies, but after evaluating more than 30 dog crate beds, this one is the best dog crate bed overall. We chose this one using our specific criteria to determine what would be right for most dog parents out there.
With special ripstop material, the cover will stand up to even the ruff-est pups and has a 120-day warranty so you know it is a high-quality bed. This one also is available in six different sizes, from tiny to over four feet long. Besides all of that, it is waterproof, machine washable, and very comfy.
